Broadband coupler technique for electrical connection to power lines

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a power line broadband communication system having broadband coupler devices capable of direct electrical connection to an energized power line. The coupler includes a conductive portion movable by an adjustable member from a non-conducting retracted position spaced apart from the power transmission line to a forward conducting position in electrical contact with the power line. An insulated arm supports the coupler on the power line. A base on the coupler is engageable with a remotely activated tool in order to accomplish the electrical connection in a safe and secure manner. Broadband data signals are sent to and from customer premises along the shared energized power lines. New coupler connections to the energized power lines allow the additional broadband customers and/or repeaters to join the communication system. Also couplers may provide connections to control electronics, routers, wireless transceivers, and may allow the broadband signals to bypass transformers on the power lines. The invention helps to minimize risk by allowing an installer to be remotely spaced from the energized power line while making the electrical coupling contact with the energized power line.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application relates generally to data transmission, and moreparticularly to data transmission over power lines.

The use of power lines to transmit data is known. Initially, power linecommunication systems were limited to relatively low data rates,typically less than 500 kbs. These low data rates are generally usefulfor applications such as remote control of various switches connected tothe power line system. More recently, developments have been made in thearea of broadband power line communication systems, also known as powerline telecommunications (PLT) systems or broadband power line (BPL)systems. These systems are capable of transmitting data at significantlyhigher data rates than previous systems. For example, BPL systems cantransmit data at rates of 4–20 Mbps.

While existing power line systems are capable of transmitting data atthe rates described above, they were not initially designed for datatransmission. Instead, they were designed to carry large currents athigh voltages so that significant amounts of energy could be distributedat one primary low frequency (e.g., 60 Hertz).

Power line communication systems generally use one or more carrierfrequencies in order to spread the data transmission over a wider rangeof frequencies. The low data rate power line communication systemsdiscussed above generally utilized frequencies in the range of 9 kHz to525 kHz. In this frequency range the risk of emissions is low as theattenuation of the cable is low and the wavelengths used in thesignaling are long with respect to the typical cable lengths in thesystem. However, the high data rates of BPL systems cannot be achievedusing carrier frequencies below 525 kHz. Instead, BPL systems typicallyuse carrier frequencies in the range of 1–30 MHz. At these higherfrequencies, it is preferable to employ capacitive coupling rather thaninductive coupling in order to implement a broadband communicationsystem using power line cables.

Providing an electrical coupling to medium voltage (MV) and low voltage(LV) power lines as part of a broadband communication system is adangerous task. Also the coupling must be made secure to withstandhostile weather conditions and to provide reliable communicationservices. Previous attempts to install such a coupling as part of acapacitive coupling circuit have relied on highly trained and skilledinstallation personnel. New customer interconnections as well asperiodic interconnections with auxiliary electronics such as repeaters,routers, etc. must be done at various points along energized power lineswithout incurring risk of injury or disruption of both powertransmission and broadband communications. There is an important need todevelop a technique for providing such interconnections at a safedistance spaced from the energized power lines.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a power line broadband communication systemhaving broadband coupler devices capable of direct electrical connectionto an energized power line without creating unreasonable safety risks.

Various embodiments of the invention include a conductive portionmovable from a non-conducting retracted position spaced apart from thepower transmission line to a forward conducting position in electricalcontact with the power line. An insulated arm supports the coupler onthe power line. In some embodiments a base of an adjustable member onthe coupler is engageable with a remotely activated tool in order toaccomplish the electrical connection in a safe and secure manner.

Generally speaking the invention enables broadband data signals to besent to and from existing and new customer premises along the sharedenergized power lines. New coupler connections to the energized powerlines allow additional broadband customers to join the communicationsystem. Also couplers may provide power line connections to othercomponents such as to repeater control electronics for the broadbandsignals, to signal routers, and to transformer bypass circuits.

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, a method forfacilitating broadband electrical transmissions on a power line includesplacing a coupler device on an energized power line in a self-supportingposition, engaging the coupler device from a location spaced apart fromthe energized power line to cause a conductive portion of the couplerdevice to make electrical metallic contact with the power line, andtransmitting data signals through the coupler device via the energizedpower line.

In one embodiment the coupler device carries signals to and fromtransceivers associated with customer premises. Such transceivers mayhave wired connections via transformer bypass router lines to and fromcustomer premises. Other exemplary transceivers may be wirelesstransceivers that eliminate any need for a transformer bypass line.

In other embodiments the coupler device may provide a direct connectionto energized power lines from electronic signal control devices. Signalrepeaters are an example of such devices that can be connected to an MVline through a coupler installation device incorporating features of theinvention.

Exemplary coupler device embodiments may include a hanger fixture havinga first insulated end capable of self-supporting contact with a powerline cable, and a second conductive end adjustably movable relative tothe power line cable. Secure attachment may be accomplished afterelectrical contact has been made between the conductive end and thepower line cable by a compressive force exerted by an adjustment bolt orscrew holding the power line cable between the first and second ends ofthe hanger fixture.

In some embodiments the first end of the coupler device includes aU-shaped portion for partially surrounding the power line cable, and theadjustment bolt or screw may be incorporated as part of the secondconductive end of the fixture and may have a sharp edge or point formaking metallic electrical contact with the power line cable. In someembodiments the adjustment bolt or screw may cause closure of thecoupler device to prevent the coupler from becoming disengaged from thepower line cable.

One aspect of the invention includes moving the conductive portion fromthe retracted position with an insulated tool that is activated remotelyto engage an adjustment portion of the coupler.

In some embodiments, the conductive portion of the coupler is connectedto a broadband signal line through a capacitor. The technique of thepresent invention as implemented in certain embodiments helps to makecapacitive coupling cost competitive with inductive coupling, therebytaking advantage of the fact that capacitive coupling is more efficientfor broadband signals. The impedance of a capacitive coupler (i.e., itsability to obstruct the flow of signal energy) decrease with signalfrequency. With an inductive coupler, the impedance increase withfrequency. Thus the capacitive coupler is better suited to cases wherewe want to use high-frequency broadband signals.

Because a capacitive coupler device requires direct electric conductivecontact with an energized power line, the coupler installation deviceand method of the present invention greatly facilitate the capability ofenjoying the benefits of capacitive coupling for broadband power linecommunication systems as compared with inductive coupling.

These and other advantages of the invention will be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detaileddescription and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a broadband power line communication system forimplementing various features of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration showing an exemplary power linecommunication system embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a coupling device for connectionto a power line communication system.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show exemplary techniques for using features of theinvention to make an electrical connection at different angularorientations directly to an energized communication power line.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show additional exemplary techniques for using acoupling device to make an electrical connection directly to anenergized communication power line.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show fragmentary views of other coupling deviceembodiments that facilitate electrical connections to an energizedcommunication power line.

FIG. 7 shows a fragmentary view of another coupling device embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a fragmentary view of a different coupling deviceembodiment in closed conductive position, with an open position of thecoupling device shown in phantom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A typical power line communication system for implementing features ofthe invention is shown in FIG. 1. A high voltage (HV) power line 102transmits power through sub-station 104 to a medium voltage (MV) powerline 106 that eventually may connect through a transformer 108 to lowvoltage (LV) lines 110 that provide alternating electrical power tocustomer premises 111, 112, 113. A wireless connection throughtransceiver 107 may provide an alternative connection to customerpremises 109.

A head end data network provides communication signals 120 via a fiberoptic cable or other suitable transmission links to the end usercustomer premises 111, 112, 113 using power line cables as thetransmission medium. Techniques for converting data signals to theelectrical domain for transmission via the power lines are well known. Atransmitter contains a modulator which modulates the incoming data ontoa carrier signal using well known RF modulation techniques. As describedabove, typical carrier frequencies for a power line communication systemare in the range of 1–30 MHz. The modulated signal is provided to thepower line cable 106 via couplers 122.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that a signal on anoptical cable must first be converted to an electrical signal, thenreformatted (demodulated-remodulated) to a format appropriate fortransmission on a power line (e.g., OFDM). Such a modulated andreformatted signal can then be coupled by the present invention onto apower line as shown at coupler connections 122.

A power line communication system of the type shown in FIG. 1 may useorthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) in which the availablebandwidth is split up into multiple narrowband channels which do notinterfere with each other. However the present invention is applicableto any type of power line communication system such as OFDM, aspread-spectrum system, etc. Thus, in accordance with any appropriateBPL system, broadband signals are carried over the MV line 106 andoptionally LV lines 110 to receivers at the customer premises 111, 112,113, or via MV line 106 through wireless transceiver 107 to customerpremises 109.

For purposes of the present description, it is assumed that the MV powerline cable 106 will typically supply power at 4–66 kV. Such mediumvoltage cable is typically an aluminum cable having a 1 cm diameter.Couplers 122 provide an interconnection for the modulated carrier signalto the MV line 106. Various types of couplers are known in the art,including for example inductive couplers and capacitive couplers. Thecarrier signal is transmitted along the length of MV power line cable106 through transformers 108 to LV lines 110. The low voltage power linetypically supplies power at 100–240 volts. The low voltage linetransmits the data signals to the customer premises 111, 112, 113 wherea modem demodulates the signal and extracts the data message.

It is noted that for ease of description only downstream (i.e., fromhead end to end user) data transmission is shown and described. Oneskilled in the art would readily recognize that upstream transmissioncould be accomplished in a similar manner.

As described above in the background section, there is a significantproblem with safety risks in providing broadband coupler connectionsdirectly to an energized power line.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the MV line 106 may connectthrough MV couplers 124 to signal repeater electronics 126. Providing arepeater connection to a MV power line is an important application insome embodiments of the invention.

The MV line 106 may also connect through MV coupler 128 via bypassrouter 130 to LV coupler 132 in order to achieve data signal transfer toan LV power line 110. Router 136 interconnects with LV power line 110 atLV coupler 134 in order to selectively deliver appropriately addresseddata signals to receivers at either customer premises 112 or customerpremises 113. The coupler installation of the invention can beincorporated at high risk MV coupler connection 128, and also at lowerrisk LV coupler connections 132, 134, although installation at these LVpoints does not pose the high safety risk associated with installationon MV lines

The MV line 106 may also connect through MV coupler 142 via bypassrouter 144 to LV coupler 146 in order to achieve data signal transfer toan LV power line 110. Router 140 interconnects with MV power line 106 atMV coupler 138 in order to selectively deliver appropriately addresseddata signals via wireless transceiver 107 to customer premises 109.Using such a wireless transceiver, as for example a WiFi access point,makes it unnecessary to provide a transformer bypass path for thebroadband signal. The coupler installation of the invention can beincorporated at high risk MV coupler connections 138, 142, and also atlower risk LV coupler connection 146.

FIG. 2 is a high level schematic diagram showing exemplary locations forinstalling a coupler device on a power line communication system.Although most present day power lines transmit alternating current (AC),the invention is applicable to both AC and DC (direct current) powerline systems. Utility poles 220 support MV lines 202 and LV lines 204 ata safe distance from the ground. Implementing a communication system onthe power lines typically requires electronic components 206, 208, 210,214, 216 including capacitors 212, 218 in order to assure satisfactorytransmission of broadband signals to customers 224. The inventionprovides a safe, secure and reliable coupling technique for makingelectrical interconnections to high risk MV lines at coupling locations220, as well as to lower risk LV lines at coupling locations 222.

The embodiment of FIG. 3 shows an exemplary coupler device 300 having aninsulated portion 302 and a conductive portion 304 connected throughlink 306 via capacitor 308 to electronic components 310. A threadedsleeve 312 receives a conductive adjustment screw 313 with threads 314.The adjustment screw 313 has a contact point 316 for electrical contactwith a power line cable (not shown). An insulated tool 320, as forexample a tool known in the trade as a hotstick, includes a longextension 322 having a cap 324 sized and shaped for engagement with theadjustment screw 313. An installer can grasp a handle 326 at a locationremote from high risk MV or lower risk LV power cables and actuate thetool such as by rotation in direction 328.

The insulated portion 302 of the coupler 300 may have a hook-shaped end334 formed by extension 330 and truncated end 336. A leg portion 332provides an attachment junction with the conductive portion 304. Theoverall contours of the insulated portion 302 may be U-shaped in orderto provide multiple interior contact surfaces 338, 340, 324 forcontacting adjacent surfaces of a power line cable in order to supportthe coupler when the adjustment screw 313 is in open position, as wellas to securely establish electrical contact and maintain attachment tothe power cable when the adjustment screw 313 is in closed position.Other hook-like shapes may be incorporated in the insulated portion 302in order to partially surround the power cable and maintain the coupler300 in self-supporting position during initial coupler installation aswell as during actuation of the tool to accomplish electrical contactbetween the conductive portion 304 and the energized power cable.

Of course, the benefits of the invention can be achieved with otheradjustment members which perform a similar function to the adjustmentscrew 313 so that the coupler can have a conductive component remotelyactuated from a retracted position to a forward conducting positionwhile the coupler remains in self-supporting position on the powercable.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various angularorientations of a coupler fixture and its conductive element relative toa power line cable are possible in order to achieve the goals of thepresent invention. For example, in FIG. 4A, a conductive adjustmentscrew 404 has a tapered head 406 with a central contact point 408 and isshown facing upwardly in a vertical direction for making electricalcontact with power cable 400. A coupler having contact surfacesapproximately coincident with plane 410 will apply compressive forces ina direction 412 in order to help maintain such electrical contact andhold the coupler in secure position on the power cable. A conductiveadjustment screw 414 has a tapered head 416 with a central contact point418 and is shown facing laterally in a horizontal direction for makingelectrical contact with power cable 400. A coupler having contactsurfaces approximately coincident with plane 420 will apply compressiveforces in a direction 422 in order to help maintain such electricalcontact and hold the coupler in secure position on the power cable. Aconductive adjustment screw 424 has a tapered head 426 with a centralcontact point 428 and is shown facing partially upwardly in a somewhatoblique angular direction for making electrical contact with power cable400. A coupler having contact surfaces approximately coincident withplane 430 will apply compressive forces in a direction 432 in order tohelp maintain such electrical contact and hold the coupler in secureposition on the power cable.

Similar orientations are illustrated in FIG. 4B for non-tapered headsrespectively having sharp peripheral edge contact surfaces 438, 448,458. Compressive forces applied perpendicular to planes 410, 420, 430will maintain electrical contact with adjustment screws 436, 446, 456respectively, and hold the coupler in secure position on the powercable.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a coupler device is shown in closedposition with a conductive portion in electric metallic contact with apower line cable 400. In these embodiments, a U-shaped insulated couplerarm 334 includes an elongated extension 330 and a shortened extensionsuch as truncated end 336. An adjustment shaft in the form shown asthreaded adjustment screw 313 makes electrical contact and also appliescompressive forces to hold the power line cable 400 in secure positionagainst the U-shaped insulated coupler arm 334.

In FIG. 5A a central contact point 316 on the apex of the adjustmentscrew 313 makes the electrical contact. In FIG. 5B a sharpened circularperipheral edge 416 on the apex of the adjustment screw 31 makes theelectrical contact. Various other shapes and type of sharp contact edgesor points may be used in order to penetrate any weather coating or othersurface material on the power line cable and make the appropriatemetallic contact for transmitting message and control signals betweenthe coupler and the power line cable.

Additional embodiments for facilitating engagement of a self-supportedcoupling device on a power line are shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Referringto FIG. 6A, an insulated arm 600 includes elongated extension 602,header 604 and shortened extension 606 which together form arectangular-shaped hook having a central concave recess 608 shaped andsized to provide support on a power line cable 611. A threaded conductorshaft 613 is shown in partially closed position with its tapered head615 starting to penetrate an outer insulation layer prior to makingelectrical contact with the power line cable 611 (see FIG. 4A).

Referring to FIG. 6B, an insulated arm 610 includes shortened extension612, header 614 and elongated extension 616 which together form arectangular-shaped hook having a triangular slot 618 to provide supporton a power line cable 611. The threaded conductor shaft 613 is shown inpartially closed position similar to FIG. 6A.

Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 7, a mechanical fixture assemblyincludes a coupler device 740 shown in a self-supporting position on apower line 700, and also includes a remotely activated insulated tool722 that has been manually engaged with the coupler device 740. Theinsulated tool 722 has a cap 724 sized and shaped to fit an enlargedbase 726 of a threaded shaft 728 on the coupler device 740. After aninstaller has manually rotated a handle 727 remotely located from thepower line 700 in order to advance the threaded shaft 728 forwardly, asharpened point 730 on an apex of the shaft advances from a partiallyclosed position making initial contact with an insulation layer as shownin the drawing until the insulation layer is penetrated and electricalmetallic contact is made directly with the power line (see FIG. 4A).

The threaded shaft and its adjacent threaded base 732 togetherconstitute a conductor portion of the coupler device for carryingsignals to and fro between line 734 and power line 700. In thisembodiment, an insulated arm is formed by a first extension 742connected at its lower end to the base 732, and is joined at its upperend 748 to angular extension 744 to form a triangular recess 745 forsupporting the coupler device on the power line 700. A lower leg portion746 on the angular extension 744 along with interior contact surfaces750, 752 help to assure the coupler device 740 remains inself-supporting position on the power line 700 upon initial installationof the coupler device and during adjustment of threaded shaft 728 intoconducting position by insulated tool 722.

In view of the foregoing description and drawings of exemplaryembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvariously shaped coupler devices with differently shaped interiorcontact surfaces can be utilized in order to maintain the coupler devicein a somewhat stable self-supporting position on a power cable duringthe various stages of installation. In some instances, the correspondingmass of each portion of the exemplary coupler devices shown in thevarious drawing figures may if necessary be counter-balanced in order tohelp the coupler device remain self-positioned, such as when anadjustment member such as a threaded shaft is in retracted open positionas well as when an adjustment member is moved into closed position suchas during rotation of the threaded shaft by the remotely positionedinstaller.

Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 8, a power line 800 is shown in anengaged position with a closed fully installed coupler device 840comprising another mechanical fixture. A conductor shaft 820 has anupper end 822 tapered to form a sharpened central point 824, the shaftbeing formed integral with a conductor plate 826 connected to signalline 828. A separate bolt 830 that may be formed with a dielectricmaterial has a threaded upper end 836 that engages a matching threadedsleeve 838 on a U-shaped insulated arm 840. Rotation of the bolt by aremotely activated tool (not shown in this drawing) advances theconductor plate 826 and conductor shaft 820 forwardly into closedposition to provide electrical metallic contact of the central point 824with the power line 800, as shown in the drawing. Rotation of the bolt830 is facilitated by a raised low-friction boss 834 on the underside ofconductor plate 826.

When the conductor plate is moved to a closed position as shown by arrow846, the insulated arm 840 has a lower leg 842 abutting an end 844 ofthe conductor plate 825 in order to eliminate an initial installationgap. When the coupler device is in open position as shown in phantom at848, the initial installation gap allows insertion of the power line 800inside of the U-shaped insulated arm. The upper part of the U-shapedinsulated arm 840 provides a recess for holding the coupler device inself-supporting position on the power line 800.

In view of all the foregoing, it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that various embodiments of the invention enable and facilitateimplementation of a broadband communication system on energized powerlines by various installation methods including but not limited to oneor more of the following techniques: making multiple connections topower lines through individual coupler devices in order to bypasstransformers connecting LV customer premises to shared power lines; ormaking multiple connections to power lines through wireless transceiversin order to connect customer premises to shared power lines; or makingmultiple connections to power lines through capacitive coupler devicesin order to connect customer premises to shared power lines; orconnecting repeater electronics to MV power lines in order to facilitatebroadband signal transmission on shared power lines to customerpremises; or connecting routers to LV or MV power lines in order todirect delivery of data messages to appropriate customer premises.

The foregoing Detailed Description is to be understood as being in everyrespect illustrative and exemplary, but not restrictive, and the scopeof the invention disclosed herein is not to be determined from theDetailed Description, but rather from the claims as interpretedaccording to the full breadth permitted by the patent laws. It is to beunderstood that the embodiments shown and described herein are onlyillustrative of the principles of the present invention and that variousmodifications may be implemented by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention.

1. A method to facilitate broadband electrical transmissions on a powerline, comprising: placing a coupler device on an energized power line ina self-supporting position; holding the coupler device in saidself-supporting position with an insulated coupler arm, engaging thecoupler device from a location spaced apart from the energized powerline to cause a conductive portion of the coupler device to makeelectrical contact with the power line by moving the conductive portionfrom a retracted position seperated from the power line to an advancedposition with a manually actived insulated toll that engages theconductive portion; and transmitting data signals through the couplerdevice via the energized power line.
 2. The method of claim 1 whichcomprises transmitting data signals to and from customer premisesthrough the coupler device via the energized power line.
 3. The methodof claim 1 which comprises transmitting data signals to and fromrepeaters through the coupler device via the energized power line. 4.The method of claim 1 which further includes connecting the conductiveportion to a signal line through a capacitor.
 5. The method of claim 1which further includes making multiple connections through respectiveindividual coupler devices to power lines in order to provide broadbandcommunication links to a plurality of customer premises via shared powerlines.
 6. The method of claim 1 which further comprises one or more ofthe following: making multiple connections to power lines throughrespective individual coupler devices in order to bypass transformersconnecting LV customer premises to shared power lines; or makingmultiple connections to power lines through respective wirelesstransceivers in order to connect customer premises to shared powerlines; or making multiple connections to power lines through respectivecapacitive coupler devices in order to connect customer premises toshared power lines; or connecting repeater electronics to MV power linesin order to facilitate broadband signal transmission on shared powerlines to customer premises; or connecting routers to LV or MV powerlines in order to direct delivery of data messages to appropriatecustomer premises.
 7. A power line broadband communication systemcomprising: a power transmission line carrying AC or DC power tomultiple customer premises; one or more broadband signal linesrespectively connected to said multiple customer premises; and a couplerdevice connecting said one or more broadband signal lines with saidpower transmission line through a conductive portion of the couplerdevice, said conductive portion movable from a non-conducting retractedposition spaced apart from said power transmission line to a forwardconducting position in electrical contact with said power transmissionline; wherein said coupler device comprises an insulated arm to hold thecoupler device in wherein said insulated arm a supporting position onsaid power transmission line; and comprise a hook-shaped end resting onsaid power transmission line.
 8. The communication system of claim 7wherein said conductive portion is movable from the non-conductingretracted position by a manually activated insulated tool sized andshaped to engage said conductive portion.
 9. The communication system ofclaim 7 wherein said coupler device is connected to said one or morebroadband signal lines through a capacitor.
 10. The communication systemof claim 7 which further comprises an additional coupler means with aconductive portion movable from a non-conducting retracted positionspaced apart from said power transmission line to a forward conductingposition for making electrical contact with said power transmissionline.
 11. The communication system of claim 7 further comprisingadditional coupler means for the making one or more of the followingcoupler connections: a bypassing connection to power lines in order tobypass transformers; or a capacitive coupler connection to one or moreof said multiple customer premises; or a wireless transceiver connectionto one or more of said multiple customer premises; or a signal repeaterconnection to power lines in order to maintain continued transmission ofbroadband signals; or a router connection to power lines in order todirect delivery of data messages to appropriate customer premises. 12.The communication system of claim 11 wherein said additional couplermeans provide coupler connections to MV and/or LV power lines.
 13. Abroadband coupler for making electrical connection to a power linecommunication system comprising: an insulated arm with a first end tomake supportable contact with a power line, and a second end having aconductor portion; adjustment means allowing said conductor portion tomove relative to said insulated arm; and a base on said conductorportion capable of being engaged by a remotely activated tool to movesaid conductor portion from a retracted non-conducting positionseparated from said power line to a conducting position makingelectrical contact with said power line.
 14. The broadband coupler ofclaim 13 wherein said second end comprises a recess for at leastpartially engaging said power line.
 15. The broadband coupler of claim13 wherein said adjustment means comprises an adjustment screw.
 16. Thebroadband coupler of claim 15 wherein said adjustment screw comprisespart of said conductor portion.
 17. The broadband coupler of claim 15wherein said adjustment screw is movable from a retracted non-conductingposition separated from said power line to a conducting position makingelectrical contact with said power line.
 18. The broadband coupler ofclaim 13 wherein said adjustment means comprises attachment means forsecurely holding the coupler on the power line after said conductorportion has moved from said retracted non-conducting position to saidconducting position.
 19. The broadband coupler of claim 18 wherein saidattachment means comprises a movable shaft on said conductor portion,said movable shaft having a sharpened apex making metallic electricalcontact with said power line by moving forwardly to said conductingposition.
 20. The broadband coupler of claim 18 wherein said first endof said insulated arm comprises a U-shaped end at least partiallysurrounding said power line, and said attachment means comprises amovable shaft on said conductor portion having a sharpened apex makingmetallic electrical contact with said power line in a direction thathelps to maintain such contact by holding said power line against saidU-shaped end when said conductor portion is moved to said conductionposition.
 21. The broadband coupler of claim 20 wherein said movableshaft makes metallic electrical contact with said power line in one ofthe following said directions: approximately vertical, approximatelyhorizontal, primarily vertical, primarily horizontal, a direction havingboth vertical and horizontal components.
 22. The broadband coupler ofclaim 18 wherein said attachment means comprises a second end movablebetween an open and closed position, and an adjustment screw engageableby a remotely activated tool capable of moving said second end.
 23. Thebroadband coupler of claim 13 wherein said conductor portion isconnected through a signal line to a capacitor.
 24. The broadbandcoupler of claim 13 wherein said conductor portion is connected to oneof the following electronic signal components: capacitor, transformerbypass, router, repeater, wireless transceiver.
 25. The broadbandcoupler of claim 13 wherein the coupler provides electrical metallicinterconnections with MV or LV power lines.
 26. A coupler for makingelectrical connection to an energized power line to enable broadbandcommunications on the energized power line, said coupler comprising: aninsulated portion to make supportable contact with the energized powerline; a conductor portion; an adjustment member that causes saidconductor portion to move relative to the power line while saidinsulated portion remains in supportable contact with the power line;and a base on said conductor portion capable of being engaged by aremotely activated tool to move said conductor portion from a retractednon-conducting position separated from the power line to a conductingposition making electrical contact with said power line.
 27. The couplerof claim 26 wherein said adjustment member comprises an adjustment screwengageable by the remotely activated tool.
 28. The coupler of claim 27wherein the adjustment screw is incorporated as part of said conductorportion.
 29. The coupler of claim 27 wherein the adjustment screw isincorporated as part of said insulated portion.
 30. The coupler of claim26 wherein said conductor portion is connected to one of the followingsignal components: capacitor, transformer bypass, router, repeater,wireless transceiver.
 31. The coupler of claim 26 wherein said insulatedportion comprises a U-shaped hook for holding the coupler inself-supporting position on the power line.
 32. The coupler of claim 26wherein said insulated portion comprises multiple interior contactsurfaces for holding the coupler in self-supporting position on thepower line.
 33. The coupler of claim 26 wherein said insulated portioncomprises an arm for holding the coupler in self-supporting position onthe power line.
 34. The coupler of claim 26 wherein said conductorportion comprises a head having an apex defining points or edges thatmake electrical contact with the power line when said conductor portionis moved from said retracted position to said conducting position.